**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I initiated my experience of residing in London, and while it may not appear to be a lengthy period, it has been sufficient to acquire several valuable insights about this lively city. London is celebrated not only for its varied housing alternatives but also for the rich array of communities that reside within it. For students, the city provides an abundance of housing options, ranging from student accommodations to private rentals. Choices include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is fairly simple. At the same time, international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to search for potential places to live online, review available amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transportation.
### Securing a Place to Live
When I started my quest for a residence, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. Being close to major attractions, social hotspots, and my university campus at Imperial College was crucial. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s superb transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation between zones.
However, inter-zonal travel can add up, with daily fares soaring to £5.25. To cut costs, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card turned out to be a budget-friendly choice. Moreover, services like the London Overground and National Rail reach areas beyond the Underground network, covering regions outside central London. Fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing frameworks of the train operators.
Living in Central London offers many advantages but comes with steep living expenses. To manage costs, I chose to share a room with a fellow university student. This arrangement significantly lowered our rental payments. Additionally, I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—an experience that is more challenging to find in private housing.
### The Value of Convenience
For me, being close to grocery stores was crucial. Some of the most popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to those wanting to economize. Proximity to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is of great convenience, especially during hectic times such as exams.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be quite challenging. The city’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural essence, presenting a variety of distinct neighbourhoods. Many international students tend to gravitate towards areas that resonate with the comfort of their home cultures.
For instance, Southall in West London is known for its sizable South Asian community, showcasing Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music avenues. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations. These neighbourhoods are just a few illustrations of London’s diverse cultural epicentres.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
In truth, the ideal place to live in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you are searching for accommodation, immersing yourself in cultural enclaves, or simply reveling in the city’s energetic atmosphere, London has something to offer everyone.
Residing in this extraordinary city has been a fulfilling experience, and I eagerly anticipate uncovering even more of what London holds.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under [Uncategorized](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/category/uncategorized/)*
*Tagged [accommodation](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/accommodation/), [Housing](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/housing/), [London Life](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/london-life/), [master’s](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/masters/)*